THE Emerging Ireland coaching team have named their 26-man squad to compete in the IRB Nations Cup in Romania next month.

Head coach Dan McFarland (Connacht) and assistant Neil Doak (Ulster) will marshall their troops for three games in the tournament, with the first on Friday June 13 against Russia. The second is five days later against Uruguay on Wednesday June 18 and the final match coming against hosts Romania on Sunday June 22.

McFarland said:, "I am looking forward to working with Neil and this exciting group of players in what will be a highly competitive tournament. It is a great opportunity for players to showcase their abilities and represent their country.”

Ireland senior head coach Joe Schmidt said: "There is a good mix of experienced and younger players in this squad. They will face three tough fixtures as Romania have already qualified for RWC14 and both Uruguay and Russia are in the final stages of the Repechage for World Cup qualification.”

Players from previous Emerging Ireland squads who have subsequently been capped for Ireland include Dave Kearney, Jack McGrath, Marty Moore and Jordi Murphy and six from last year's Emerging Ireland squad will travel with the senior team to Argentina.